Business and economic news for the Santa Barbara region

Post-Disaster Economic Issues to Be Aired March 28

A panel discussion of what will happen next with the South Coast economy in the wake of recent disasters is planned for 3:30 p.m. March 28 at the Lobero Theater, 33 E. Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara.

The event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited.

“What Happened and What Now?” Is the title of the event that will be introduced by UCSB Economic Forecast Project chief Peter Rupert, and moderated by Montecito Bank & Trust President Janet Garufis and Village Properties Realtor Ed Edick.

Results of the recent survey of businesses affected by the disasters will be discussed.

“The topics should be fairly wide-ranging, depending on where the conversation leads,” said Kenneth Freeland with the UCSB Economic Forecast Project. “However, given the makeup of the panel, it will probably be fairly heavy on the real estate, tax and tourism side of things.”

The public may submit questions to the panel, Freeland said.

“We are taking suggestions for panel questions, so if you have anything you would be interested in hearing our panelists speak about, feel free to send them to me, and I will make sure that Janet and Ed get them,” he said. “They will only be able to get to a fraction of the questions we receive.”